QUEENS PARK PRECINCT PUBLIC MEETING
23 February 2011 commencing 7pm Waverley Library Theatrette
Convenor: Simon Swifte and Peter Cohen Apologies: Mayor Sally Betts, Councillor Kerryn Sloan, Mark Baldessare Councillors present: Mora Main
Centennial Park Report Geoff Reinhard reported a number of capital works being undertaken: 1. Educational precinct – near Flycasting Pond – includes structures for rangers to conduct educational programs for school groups and others 2. Ponds project to start in 2 months – Kensington side and Model Yacht Pond on York Rd – dredging, planting, replacement of gross pollutant trap. Will hopefully improve water quality 3. Reinstatement of statue of Charles Dickens. Were 33 statues throughout Park originally but vandalism and wear and tear meant that most were removed. 8 have now been reinstated
Also a new CEO has been appointed Kim Ellis started work today – ex CEO Bankstown Airport fence on Victoria Ave/Queens pk has been removed, probably by vandals – please keep an eye out Scout Hall in Victoria Ave no longer wanted and offered to park – not interested (stands on Crown Land cared for by Council) asked if Good Vibrations Council impacted residents – not too much but some questions about alcohol and lack of police supervision on Oxford St near Queen St question about use of Moore Park for concerts – sometimes used question about blue/green algae - bad because of lack or rain
Police Report (from December Community Safety Committee) report graffiti to Council and Police nothing to report in this area since December
Minutes from November meeting Moved: Michael Ahrens Seconded: Robin Workman
Business arising Resident parking in areas where residents are not eligible for parking permits – can be reviewed but resident no longer concerned. Some Alt St residents at meeting have requested Council look at resident parking on both sides between Cuthbert St and Birrell St. Survey needed.
Resident complained about cars parking right up to corners – an ongoing dangerous problem. Rangers aren’t policing it enough.
Moriah College
Michael Ahrens reported on January Community Consultative Committee meeting. Crossing approved in December and will be constructed during Easter break – just west of Alt St. Bus stop to be moved School asked to reinforce student parking rules and monitor this and parents dropping off students near crossing New bursar appointed – Sam Samuels Government has sold site to Moriah. Some residents opposed to this. Government rezoning schools in eastern suburbs according to surrounding zoning. Moriah proposed to be Infrastructure Education
Arnold St quarry site proposed development Committee wrote to Council opposing the DA submitted before Christmas, on the grounds that it ignored the conditions of sale imposed by Council, including height not to be above Bourke St single dwelling only Pt Jackson fig tree to be retained stipulated floor space
Council imposed these conditions in the face of massive opposition to the land sale and the block attracted a price accordingly. If these conditions are not enforced, the purchaser would unfairly benefit at the Council’s expense.
Councillor Sloan has indicated that the DA will go to the Development Control Committee.
Motion The meeting overwhelmingly (16 attendees) endorsed the Committee’s letter that any DA must strictly adhere to the conditions of sale of the Arnold St quarry site and that the letter be forwarded to all Councillors and the Planning Department.
Moved: Pearl Grunhard Seconded: Peter Cohen
Abandoned shopping trolley The dumping of shopping trolleys and the lack of any solution to this problem has been a major complaint in this area for years. There is a Council policy but also a Local Government Association Code of Practice which includes a list of ways that trolleys are prevented from leaving the premises or can be quickly located.
Motion That the Committee writes to Council, seeking consultation with retailers and community representatives to discuss ways of resolving the issue of abandoned shopping trolleys in our precinct, with emphasis on the following examples:
• Trolley collection by individual retailers - Collection encompasses car parks, shopping centres and streets surrounding store. Usually conducted by contracted, licensed, trolley collectors answerable to store managers. • Cooperative industry-wide trolley collection services - eg Trolley Tracker Trolley labeling and signage retailers branding is usually stamped in metal and dis- played on handle • Stationing of personnel at shopping complex exit points to prevent trolley removal • Coin/ token-operated trolleys where a refund is provided for the return of the trolley. • Trolleys with wheel-locks activated by a radio signal or magnetic strip. • Cattle-grids at carpark entrances and exits • Radio signal transmitters on trolleys • Education of the public - On trolleys, at retail outlets and leaflets distributed in council printed matter. Leaflets are available from Trolley Services Australia
Moved: Roma Gillam Seconded: Danile Bando
General Business A resident in Queens Park Rd raised the issue of the unsightly Scout hall in Victoria Park. It is in a state of disrepair and attracts vandals, especially graffiti taggers. It is apparently no longer used or wanted by the Scout movement.
Motion That the Committee write to Council, requesting the removal of the Scout Hall in Victoria Park as it is no longer used by the Scout movement and is in a state of disrepair, is visually polluting and attracts graffiti vandals. It also constitutes a safety hazard to children using the adjacent Council playground.
Moved: Di Adams Seconded: Simon Swifte
Next meeting (Annual General meeting): 4 May 2011